Wisconsin Football Coaches Association

Born January 6, 1934 in Arena, WI

Graduate of Arena High School, BS University of Wisconsin - Platteville

Coached football at:

Avoca High School 1957-59; and
River Valley High School (Spring Green) 1962-87.
His record was 130 wins, 67 losses and 3 ties. Six Championships.

Howard graduated from Arena High School where he played football, basketball and baseball for four years. At Platteville he played football for four years, he was Captain and Most Valuable and was All WSU in 1952 and 1954. He also played baseball for three years and basketball for one year.

After graduating from Platteville, Howie entered the U.S. Army where he served with the 48th Medical Company and did a tour of duty in Germany.

After the service he taught and coached at Avoca for two years. In 1962 he began his long tenure at River Valley as a teacher and coach. He was Head Football Coach for 21 years. His teams won six Conference Championships and were runners-up in the SWAL seven times. River Valley made the semi-finals the second year of the playoffs. Howie also coached basketball and track. He was Athletic Director for 12 years, Student Council Advisor for 8 years, and started the Student Assistance Program.

Howie was Class B Division Coach of the Year in 1980 and 1981. He was a recipient of the WHSFCA Victors Award in 1980 and 1981, and the 20 Year Service Award in 1982. He was All Area Co-Coach of the Year in 1984. U.W. Platteville honored him with their Distinguished Alumni Award in 1979, 1980 and 1981. He was a member of the Coaches Association for 22 years.

Howie has been a long time member of the Spring Green Lions Club and served as its President in 1978-79. He is also a member of St. John's Catholic Church, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a Trustee on the Spring Green Village Board for four years, and was Head of the Parks Committee.

Howie was one of the first coaches in the state to establish a summer football camp for young men coached by high school coaches.

Upon retirement Howie was honored by the River Valley Board of Education with the establishment of the "Howard Murphy Outstanding Student Athletic Award." This award is presented each year to the River Valley Senior who is a two-sport athlete with the highest GPA in the class.

Howie and his wife, Darlene, have six children; Cindy, Mike, Dan, Lisa, Carlene and Karen.